Archive

Peel Police asked to investigate mayor’s use of town credit card

March 24, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Orangeville Council has asked for an investigation by Peel Regional Police into Mayor Jeremy Williams’ use of a Town-issued corporate credit card.

The request came following a routine end-of-year budget and accounts finalization, when it was determined that some of the expenses on the credit card had not been authorized by Council motion.

The credit card, routinely given to each new mayor when he or she takes office, is intended to pay for any expenses related to their duties.

“Like the previous mayor, I have used my card to pay for various items for myself, and others on council,” Mayor Williams said in a Facebook posting, noting examples such as conference bookings, charity events and to cover gas for mileage claims.

The amount in question comes to a grand total of $7,831.69. Broken down, it includes personal items like office furniture and supplies for a total of $2,281.45.  Also included is the cost of the Mayor’s trip to China back in September for $3,486.04 and mileage totalling $ 2,064.20.

“Although council had been supportive of my trip to China, no official motion was made to cover the expenses,” the Mayor conceded. “ There also was no official policy or agreement given me with the card to explain a procedure for use of the card.”

“If they’re legitimate charges to better the town I have no problem with that,” said Orangeville resident Adrienne Adams. “But I do have a problem paying for recreational expenses, whether they’re for his family or himself that aren’t related to his job as Mayor.”

Mayor Williams said he has since paid back in total all amounts charged on the town credit card and returned the card.

“Going forward, I will ask council for a clear cut policy direction as far as expenses for the mayor and council.  Things like attending charity events or conferences.  Travel overseas and expenses related to it as well as specific policies for using town credit cards”.

In the meantime, at council’s request, Peel Regional Police are investigating all purchases made by Mayor Williams on the credit card.

Council’s motion calling for the investigation by Peel police read as follows:

“That Council direct legal counsel and the Chief Administrative Officer to request Peel Regional Police to conduct an investigation to determine whether criminal charges ought to be laid against the Mayor in relation to his use of the corporate credit card;

“That Council direct staff to immediately cancel the corporate credit card issued for the Mayor’s use;

“That Council direct staff to present a report for consideration at a public Council meeting to establish policies and procedures relating to the steps to be taken by Town Staff upon learning of potential breaches of by-laws, policies and procedures by elected officials;

“That Council request the Mayor to remove himself from the Police Services Board until Peel Regional Police make a determination about criminal charges.”

The full Mayor’s Facebook posting is as follows:

“It has been the custom to provide the Mayor with a credit card to allow him the ability to pay expenses related to his duties. Like the previous mayor, I have used my card to pay for various items for myself, and others on council, such as conference bookings, charity events and to cover gas for mileage claims.

“I have also from time to time used the card for amounts that are not related to mileage. Any amounts that are personal in nature, including furniture for my town hall office, office supplies and equipment that I use in my role as mayor, have always been paid back in full by myself.

“The amounts charged on the card have always been the same or less than any amount owed to me by the town.

“During routine end of year budget and accounts finalization, it was determined that some expenses may not be properly authorized by way of a council motion. For example, although council had been supportive of my trip to China, no official motion was made to cover the expenses. Likewise, the previous policy of allowing gas be charged directly to the mayor’s card with a presumption that future mileage claims would cover it, has never been properly enacted by way of council motion.

“There also was no official policy or agreement given me with the card to explain a procedure for use of the card.

“In an abundance of transparency and to make sure there is full public disclosure on this issue, on March 11th. of this year, I requested from staff a full and complete breakdown of the amounts charged that have been incurred from the start of my term on council as mayor. The final amount, which I received today, was paid in full, today.

“The total amount of all expenses charged to the card comes to $7,831.69. This includes personal items (like office furniture, supplies) of $2,281.45 and a total of $3,486.04 for my trip to China. It also includes mileage of $2,064.20.

“After discussions with staff, it became clear to me that even having a card may not be the best way to handle expenses. From an accounting point of view, amounts should be paid first by the member of council, then be reimbursed. Which theoretically would mean a town credit card shouldn’t even exist. I have relied on staff to keep track of amounts charged and to ensure all amounts are properly tracked and accounted for. It would seem upon closer examination, this should be done by a member of council paying first and recovering what is owed them afterwards. Some expenses that would seem obvious, like office supplies, may actually be considered personal as there appears to be a presumption members of council supply their own materials. Staff are still looking into this aspect.

“Going forward, I will ask council for a clear-cut policy direction as far as expenses for the mayor and council. Things like attending charity events, or conferences. Travel overseas, and expenses related to it. As well as specific policies for using town credit cards. I have also returned the town’s card until such time as I am confident proper procedures for its use are in place.

“For the time being, I have paid in full all amounts charged until we can resolve how we wish to proceed. I have also decided to return my card to staff until, and if, this issue can be resolved with clarity.”

Readers Comments (0)